Drums that had vinegar

[Mike1ranger]

I picked up some 55 gal drums that held white distilled vinegar. Anyone have any luck cleaning them up and using for sap storage? Back up plan would buy some drum liners but thought baking soda and water might get the vinegar residue out. Thoughts?

[John c]

I once acquired a bunch of olive jugs. Nothing would get the olive smell out of them except for a good hot summer in the sun.

[Cedar Eater]

Baking soda is excellent for neutralizing and removing odors, but I would try cooking some test sap down and tasting it. The only odor that I've heard of that clings to barrels and then pollutes the sap is garlic. I used one gallon vinegar bottles for gathering sap and never tasted a hint of vinegar come through the sap to the syrup. I'm currently storing syrup in some of those bottles. Even though you smell it in the barrels, it may not pollute the sap.

[wbreitbarth]

All of my 5 gallon pales were full of pickles at one time. I have never had a issue, and pickles are made up of mostly vinegar. I have used the same pales for 3 years and they get stored outside in the shed because they still smell so strongly. I would think you should be okay.

[BreezyHill]

Baking soda is the answer. Counter act the acid. They may need to sit a day or so to penetrate the plastic but it will work.

The cure for an oil is the acid...vinegar and then the backing soda. It can be fun for the kids to roll a drum with the vinegar in it with hot water to keep the drum coated. Set up a corse with cones or just a straight line...depends on how old the kids are and how competitive. Pretty soon the older kids/adults will join in the fun.

Hint: Fill your wifes barrel a little more than yours. Hahaha...all is fair in Love and War! LOl

[to100]

How much vinegar white or apple to how much water? How long? With or without top on?
Same for bakeing soda.
For 55 gallon barrel.
Thanks

[maple marc]

I use 55 gallon plastic drums for sap storage and they all had been used to transport vinegar. Remember that vinegar is used for a cleaner. After rinsing several times with fresh water I used a weak bleach solution, then more rinsing. I've never detected any off-smell or flavor from the drums.